MDs set to leave All3’s Betty

All3Media is on the look-out for a chief creative officer to head operations at its UK factual prodco Betty after it emerged the firm’s two MDs are to step down.

Neil Smith (left) and
Matthew Littleford

Matthew Littleford joined Betty in 2015 as MD having been editorial director of digital at BBC Worldwide, while Neil Smith was promoted from creative director, having been with the prodco for seven years. They replaced the company’s founder, Liz Warner.

Littleford had been tasked with growing the business and overseeing strategy, international sales, finance and operations, while Smith led creative efforts and oversaw production and development.

Both will leave the prodco in July, with their departures coming less than two months after All3 took control of the prodco.

London-based Betty was launched in 2001 and acquired by Discovery Communications in 2011. Last month the Everest Rescue prodco was moved under the umbrella of All3Media, which itself was acquired by Discovery and Liberty Global in 2014.

Betty produces shows such as Bear Grylls: Mission Survive and adventure format Kings of the Wild for Discovery, as well as making a number of Channel 4 series such as The Undateables and Obsessive Compulsive Cleaners.

Jane Turton, All3’s CEO, said: “Under the leadership of Neil and Matthew, Betty has produced some truly distinctive, popular and award-winning series ranging from The Undateables and Bear Grylls: Mission Survive to The Autistic Gardener.

“I’d like to thank both of them for their all their hard work, commitment and passion and wish them the very best for the future.”

Smith and Littleford added: “We wish the team all the best and we’re excited about what the future holds for us.”